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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

For more information on Legionnaires’ disease and how to stay safe, visit:
dph.illinois.gov/topics-servi...

IDPH will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.

Legionnaires' Disease

What is Legionellosis? Legionellosis is a bacterial disease of the lungs caused by Legionella pneumophila. The disease can range from a mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and death. The most...

dph.illinois.gov

IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

🧾 So far in 2025, Illinois has reported 287 cases of Legionnaires’ disease statewide.
It’s a reportable disease, meaning cases must be reported to health departments within 3 days - helping officials quickly identify and control possible sources.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

💧 Legionella bacteria are found naturally in water, but can grow in:
Cooling towers
Hot tubs
Showers
Decorative fountains
Large plumbing systems
The illness spreads when mist or vapor containing the bacteria is inhaled.
It’s not spread person-to-person.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

Most healthy people do not get sick after exposure.
Those at higher risk include:
➡️ Adults 50+
➡️ Current or former smokers
➡️ People with lung disease or weakened immune systems
➡️ People with cancer, diabetes, or kidney/liver disease

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

Watch for:
Cough
Shortness of breath
Headache
Muscle aches
Fever
💬 “Early treatment reduces the severity of illness and improves your chances for recovery,” says Dr. Rashmi Chugh, DuPage County Health Department.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

🚨 Who should get tested?
If you’ve visited or been within 2 miles of the Alden Valley Ridge facility (275 E Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale) in the past month and now have pneumonia symptoms - see a doctor right away.
Early treatment saves lives.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

🏥 What is Legionnaires’ disease?
A serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria.
It’s treatable with antibiotics, but can be severe - especially for people with weakened immune systems.
About 1 in 10 people who get it may die from the infection.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

IDPH Environmental Health staff investigated the Alden Valley Ridge Rehabilitation and Health Center on September 22. Tests detected Legionella bacteria in water samples from a patient room and the facility’s cooling tower.
Remediation steps are underway, and the facility is cooperating fully.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 2d

IDPH and DuPage County Health Department are investigation two cases of Legionnaires' disease linked to a skilled nursing facility in Bloomingdale, IL. Both individuals have recovered.
🧵 Here's what to know ⬇️

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

The risk to the public remains low when proper precautions are taken. Illinois continues to monitor closely, with resources available to keep communities safe.
🔗 Learn more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

IDPH, Illinois Department of Agriculture Announce Illinois “Unaffected” by H5N1 Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle

dph.illinois.gov

IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

If you’ve had contact with sick/dead birds:
💊 Antivirals may help prevent illness if started early
🤒 Watch for flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, eye redness, vomiting/diarrhea)
📍 Tell your provider about your exposure immediately

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

If you see dead or sick wild birds:
❌ Don’t touch them
📞 Report clusters (5+) to local health or IDNR
⚠️ Do NOT take them to vets, rehab centers, or refuges

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

But precaution is still key. Migratory birds are now moving through the state, and some may carry H5N1.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

This success comes from statewide teamwork:
🤝 IDPH + IDOA + local health departments
👩‍🌾 Dairy farmers & farm families
📦 Partners providing PPE & biosecurity resources
All working together to protect people & cattle.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

What does "unaffected" mean?
👉 Ongoing testing & surveillance show NO disease in Illinois dairy cattle
👉 Our dairy supply remains safe and secure

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 5d

🐮 GOOD NEWS: Illinois has been declared "unaffected" by H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle, thanks to strong partnerships between IDPH, IDOA, farmers, and local health departments.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 7d

Misinformation is loud. Science is clear. ✅
Thanks @govpritzker.illinois.gov for making space for the truth.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 7d

Short questions. Clear answers. Zero debate.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 13d

Illinois is taking major steps to improve maternal health and birth equity. The new Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint outlines strategies to expand access, support providers, and ensure safer, more equitable care for every mother.
📰 Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 13d

Today, I'm announcing a blueprint for the way forward in maternal health and birth equity in Illinois.

I've committed this administration to making this the best state in the nation to raise a family.

We cannot get there until it's safe and affordable for every mother to do so.

Governor Pritzker is behind the podium at Chicago Beyond to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint - a roadmap designed to improve maternal healthcare and birth outcomes in Illinois.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 14d

Pregnant people and children can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed and as directed by a healthcare provider.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 14d

Pregnant people should not “tough it out” if they have a fever. Untreated fevers are clearly associated with pregnancy complications and can be harmful to the baby.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 14d

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has long been established as a safe pain reliever and fever reducer for use during pregnancy.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 14d

IDPH is deeply concerned by the federal government issuing medical recommendations that are not backed by the full weight of scientific evidence.

The science has not changed: Taking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism.

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 15d

📰 Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

IDPH Issues Fall Vaccine Guidance and COVID-19 Standing Order to Ensure Access for Illinoisans

State adopts Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee’s (IL-IAC) science-based recommendations; IDPH also reaffirms support for existing vaccine schedules as federal vaccine panel’s credibility falter...

dph.illinois.gov

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IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health @idph.bsky.social · 15d

All Illinoisans deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine guidance. IDPH's recommendations ensure that residents can protect themselves and their family members this respiratory virus season.

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